380, 38 snub or other for pocket carry?

380, 38, or other for pocket carry.

  • 380 acp

    Votes: 60 39.2%
  • 38 special

    Votes: 55 35.9%
  • Other pocket carry

    Votes: 38 24.8%

  • Total voters
    153
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I prefer not to pocket carry as it is terribly inefficient under the best conditions, and impossible to draw under some conditions. But if I was going to do it, it would be a 380 like a Ruger, since most of my clothes don't have really big pockets.
 
After many years of 5-shot .38 Special revolver and 6+1 shot .380 ACP semi-auto pocket carry, I'm leaning hard to converting to 6-shot .32/.327 magnum revolvers for pocket carry. For peace of mind from magazines popping loose (which has happened too much in my personal experience) and falling between the previous two in capacity.
 
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Between the two, which do I prefer for true pocket carry?
A proven micro-.380 pistol.

Which gun do I actually have more faith and trust in?
Any proven .38 snub.


I don't do much pocket carry anyway.
If I do - it is (generally) as a supplement to a primary carry.
 
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I selected 380 because it fits in all types of pants. I do carry something in all three categories for different reasons. My 442 is my favorite, a Taurus 605 and 415 make it in my pocket while hiking. But for beach time it's a LCPII.
 
My usual pocket carry is my Diamondback DB9.

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I like my LCP and think it is a GREAT pocket gun but I can carry a 9mm instead of a .380 for very little weight penalty. The LCP IS a smaller pistol and as such it gets carried sometimes, usually during the summer. Both the LCP and DB9 have NEVER malfunctioned on me a single time. I was very hesitant about the reliability of the DB9 initially but it has definitely proven itself over the years.

The DB9 is the largest pistol I have been able to effectively pocket carry. I know my Kahr CM9 is a better pistol but the extra weight and bulk push it over pocket carry size for me. NO, the DB9 is not fun to shoot but it has been very controllable for me. I have no problems scoring multiple sequential kill shots at 15 yards. My hand definitely recognizes the power difference between the DB9 and LCP but it has never been a problem for me. Other people might find that the DB9 is too much in too little of a package to be a reasonable self defense weapon.
 
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I’ve always carried a 38 snub in my pocket. I never cared for small semi autos. Actually I’ve always carried Two snubs until this winter. I inherited Two semi autos. After some Range time I decided to rotate them as belt guns.
 
45 Colt.

A pair, tucked neatly inside their own 3" barrel. Just a hammer pull away from each other. If im farther away than that warrants, its probably best i didnt draw my gun in the first place.

I work retail around old ladies, in jeans and an untucked t-shirt. It gets tucked into my watch pocket.

Ive also been known to carry 32NAA but finding that ammo is nigh impossible.
 
My situation changed so the need for pocket carry went away but back when I did I settled on a 327 revolver. I found the pocket 380s were very sensitive to malfunctions when shot with a less than perfect grip and the before mentioned popped magazine was enough for me to gravitate over to a wheel gun. Found out about the 327 and I barely had to give up capacity. Seemed like the best mix of compromises in an already compromised situation.
 
I have carried my G43 in the pocket on occasion, but it is only doable with certain pants with big pockets, my LCP however will fit into any pocket of any pants I own and very nice and compact.

I've had a want for a S&W 642 for almost a decade but I have basically given up on it and as many times as I've stood at the gun counter eyeballing one, ready to slap down $375-$400 for one, I've always walked away with a "maybe later" attitude because I don't feel the snub .38spl fulfills any real need that I can't address with my. 380 because in terms of terminal ballistics I'm not really gaining a whole lot with the .38 and the 642 is among the smallest .38's you can buy but it's fatter and doesn't carry quite as well in the pocket and at least with the .380 I can carry a couple spare mags including the gun without any discomfort or printing whatsoever and I've carried it, drawn it, shot it enough to know my capabilities with it and it's reliable.

But if I had to pick between one or the other, I think the .380 would get the nod from me but it's almost a coin flip. I could just as easily choose a .38spl snub but I like the .380 because I can carry the gun (7rds) plus 12rds in 2 spare mags with ease. Carrying 19 rds of .38spl would not be quite as convenient or easy......
 
Neither. I don't like pocket carry. Not because I think there's anything wrong with it, but simply because I don't like that much weight in my pocket. Even my tiny LCP II, loaded +1 in a good quality holster weighs almost a pound. I know a lot of folks aren't bothered by that, but I am. To each his own, eh?
 
After many years of 5-shot .38 Special revolver and 6+1 shot .380 ACP semi-auto pocket carry, I'm leaning hard to converting to 6-shot .32/.327 magnum revolvers for pocket carry. For peace of mind from magazines popping loose (which has happened too much in my personal experience) and falling between the previous two in capacity.

My details are similar having carried a snub and/or small semi-auto for pocket carry. But earlier in the year decided on going the six-shot 32/327 route. Found a S&W 432PD. Besides the points made above, just have more overall confidence with a snub in pocket.
 
Voted other.
Its hot in FL and I live in shorts & thin shirt, not only that but I live in in a "good area" with very low anticipated threat...;)
380 or 38 snub? Neither. Kahr PM9 is easily pocketable, but I'm not limited to pocket carry so the PM9 is in weak hand front pocket and a Glock AIWB.
Do I "need" to carry "all that" in a "good area" I sure hope not. :) I've been carrying about 30 years and never "needed" it.

Try to carry a handgun you would prefer in hand to defend yourself with anywhere, everywhere (including for a "quick trip to the store" in a "good area").
A 380 or 38 snub fails to meet my simple philosophy as I would not prefer a 380 or 38 to defend myself (rifle or shotgun is not concealable 9mm is).
Rather than settle for "better than nothing" strive for "best I can do".
 
Please note the thread is about pocket carry. I respect anyone that carries using other methods, I do also. But it is an additional firearm with a pocket carry.
Yes there are no safe places anymore, with all of the shootings at grocery stores, Walmart, places of worship, public transit, and ext... I want to be armed.
 
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My main carry is a 442 snub. I just bought a Kel-Tec P3AT 380 but haven't tested it for reliability yet so I don't carry it. I do sometimes carry a Beretta 950 in 25acp that has been totally reliable and surprisingly accurate.
 
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